ACIREALE
Generic information
Province of: Catania
Elevation: 161 m
Population: 46,200
GPS coordinates
Latitude: 37.612824
Longitude: 15.165874
Map
Web site
Url: http://www.comune.acireale.ct.it
Italian version: www.sicilianelmondo.com
Photos
Description
Acireale (Sicilian: Jaciriali; often shortened to Jaci or Aci) is a coastal city in the north-east of the province of Catania, Sicily, Italy, at the foot of Mount Etna, with mineral waters.
It is famous for its churches, including the Neo-Gothic St. Peter's Basilica, St. Sebastian's Basilica in the Sicilian Baroque style, and the 17th century Acireale Cathedral; and for its paintings: the oldest academy in Sicily, the "Accademia dei Dafnici e degli Zelanti", is located here.
Acireale is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Acireale. As of 2009, the Bishop of Acireale is Pio Vittorio Vigo (born 4 November 1935), a native of Acireale who was nominated bishop of the diocese in 2002. There is also a seminary for the training of priests and many convents; thus Acireale has a strong clerical presence.
From a historical perspective, the church of San Biagio in Acireale is of interest because it contains some of the relics of the Venerable Gabriele Allegra, who entered the Franciscan seminary there in 1918.
Other notable places of interest are the Villa Belvedere, a large public park overlooking the Ionian Sea, and the Piazza Duomo. South of the Piazza Duomo, is the oldest section of the city. There are many beautiful historic Baroque buildings, including the Palazzo Pennisi which dates from the 17th century. The commercial city centre is located primarily in the streets adjacent to and including the Corso Umberto and Corso Italia which are the city's principal thoroughfares.
Acireale is famous throughout Sicily for its spectacular floats, costumes, and parades during the season of carnival, which attracts many tourists and visitors.
Areas
Santa Maria La Scala, Santa Tecla, Stazzo, Pozzillo, Santa Maria degli Ammalati, Guardia, Mangano, Capomulini, San Cosmo, Balatelle, Pennisi, Fiandaca, Loreto, Piano D'Api, Aciplatani, Scillichenti, Santa Caterina, Santa Maria delle Grazie, Santa Maria La Stella, San Giovanni Bosco.
From Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Acireale&oldid=279418948>.